2024-06-17 09:23:45
Nearly 13,000 Graduates Celebrated at Three Spirited Ceremonies
Miami Dade College’s distinguished commencement speakers offered students valuable life lessons about perseverance, the importance of giving back, and the power of gratitude as the new graduates bid farewell to MDC and embarked on the next phase of their life journey.
The speakers’ sage advice punctuated three energetic and uplifting ceremonies at loanDepot park, where students filling center field joyfully displayed their decorated caps and gowns and shared their collective pride at reaching such an important milestone.
“Colleges are custodians of both the enduring traditions of learning, and of the transformative power they bestow upon those who come to learn,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “Today we celebrate the important ritual of commencement. We welcome you, our graduates, into the ranks of the academy and as lifelong learners.”
With loud thumping music, twirling streamers and lively videos on jumbotrons, commencement was festive but also full of tradition, including the annual flag ceremony that recognizes students’ home countries.
In all, nearly 13,000 students representing 118 nationalities and speaking 23 languages received degrees and certificates – an impressive reminder of the College’s reach across the state, nation and globe.
The excitement was palpable as friends and family filled the stadium to cheer on their loved ones.
“He worked so hard to get here and we are so proud of him,” said Martha Matias, whose son Sean Matias was honored with a scholarship from the Board of Trustees for his exemplary academic success and leadership. “This is only the beginning for him.”
Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, spoke of recently becoming the first woman president of the Miami-based nonprofit organization that provides grants for journalism, community engagement and the arts across the country.
She recounted several failed efforts to move up to higher leadership roles during her journalism and nonprofit careers. Though she was well-qualified, the decision-makers passed her over, saying it wasn’t “her turn” yet.
“Don’t wait for people to decide it’s ‘your turn’ – create your turn,” she said. “Create your turn by offering solutions, by suggesting that wild idea.”
C.D. Glin, president of the PepsiCo Foundation and the global head of social impact for PepsiCo, told students that there are no losers in this world. “You either win, or learn,” he said, adding that education is the key to success. Most important, he said, is to help others: “Never forget to give. I have gotten everything in life because of giving. It always comes back to me.”
Raymond Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, told students that their MDC degree will take them far in life.
“You should be proud of your time at MDC, you are graduating from one of the top institutions in the nation,” he said, heaping praise on the Florida education system.
“Today is my favorite day of the year, the day we can see you reap the benefits of all that hard work,” he said.
All About the Students
Commencement recognized many examples of student excellence. They included the recipients of the annual Board of Trustees Scholarship, which awards $5,000 for two years of additional coursework in higher education. Along with Matias (North Campus), they were Jonathan Lalla (Hialeah Campus); Maya Alvarez (Homestead Campus); Natalie Gelman (Kendall Campus); Jose B. Laguerre (Medical Campus); Mateo Medina (Padrón Campus); Valentina Aleman (West Campus) and Jennifer Suarez (Wolfson Campus).
Student speakers shared their special memories of MDC, crediting illuminating learning experiences, supportive mentors and countless opportunities for growth.
Discovering True Potential at MDC
“I have learned that genuine growth flourishes outside our comfort zones,” said Marlom Daroy Elvin Jr., North Campus Student Government Association (SGA) president. “It’s when we challenge ourselves, pursue our passions with unwavering dedication, that we discover our true potential.”
Gabriella Gonzales, president of Kendall Campus SGA, said as the first child in her family to attend college, enrolling at MDC was momentous.
“Coming to MDC was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she said. “When I reflect on my time here one word comes to mind: opportunity. MDC has given me incredible opportunities that have helped me grow into who I am today.”
Jack Taks, president of Homestead Campus SGA, also credited MDC faculty and staff.
“Their commitment to nurturing our ambitions and fostering a compassionate community has been crucial to our success,” he said.
For one family, graduation day was bittersweet. Relatives of EMT Yanaisa Pulido accepted a posthumous degree that she earned before tragically dying while stopping to help drivers involved in a roadside crash. Her mother clutched her daughter’s framed College Credit Certificate in Homeland Security close to her heart.
“Yanaisa’s legacy of compassion and selflessness shines brightly as she answered the call to help others, embodying the true essence of service,” said North Campus President Fermin Vazquez.
– CT
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